Chesterfield midfielder Joe Rowley hailed the Spireites’ character after they came back from 2-1 down to earn a 2-2 draw with Carlisle United on Saturday.

Jak McCourt’s first half free-kick was quickly cancelled out by second-half goals from Danny Grainger and Richie Bennett, before Kristian Dennis’ 10th goal of the season levelled matters in the 84th minute.

Rowley produced another impressive display and felt that both he and his team mates deserved more for their efforts.

He said: “We had more than enough chances to win the game, we’re happy with the point because it starts to get us up the table.

“The boys stuck at it and that shows great character and we got the equaliser in the end.”

A key factor in the Spireites comeback was the players fitness levels, and Rowley moved to praise manager Jack Lester and his back-room team for the work they’ve carried out on the training pitch.

“The intensity in training has increased and it is showing on the pitch,” he told iFollow. “We are lasting longer in the game - in the final 20 minutes we were all over them.

“When he (Lester) came in I was just getting back fit and just able to do contact so that was lucky for me. It’s great playing under a manger like that, who fits my style of play, with high intensity it’s brilliant.”

Since making his debut for the first team in March, Rowley has featured in a variety of roles across midfield and as a striker.

Under Lester the 18-year-old has mainly played on the right of midfield where he's given licence to run at defenders, as was shown prior to Chesterfield’s opener when his driving run from midfield, saw him brought down and McCourt scored from the resulting free-kick.

“My instructions are to just run forward with the ball and without the ball and get at their back four,” Rowley explained.

“As long as I’m on the pitch I’m always happy, but on the right-hand side and I can drive inside and stay out wide and get the ball to my feet so there are plenty of options.”

The Spireites travel to Bradford City in the FA Cup on Saturday, 3pm and if selected it will be the first time that Rowley has featured in the competition.

He added: “The FA Cup is the dream and hopefully I can make my debut in it, I’ll be right up for it and so will the boys.”